CRCST Practice Exam

What is the purpose of using phenolics for disinfection?

1. To sterilize critical instruments

2. To clean sensitive medical devices

3. To disinfect semi-critical items

4. To disinfect non-critical items

The correct answer is: To disinfect non-critical items

Phenolics are commonly used for disinfecting non-critical items. Non-critical items are those that come into contact with intact skin but not mucous membranes. Phenolics are effective against a wide range of microorganisms and are suitable for use on surfaces such as floors, walls, and furniture. Critical instruments require sterilization to ensure they are free of all microorganisms, while sensitive medical devices may require specialized cleaning procedures to maintain their functionality. Semi-critical items come into contact with mucous membranes or non-intact skin and typically require high-level disinfection rather than just standard disinfection provided by phenolics.